The Meridian Parent Partnership Program, better known as MP3, is an Alternative Learning Experience under the public school system. The program was established in 2006. While there are many types of alternative learning programs in Washington state, MP3 is a parent partnership program for kindergarten through eighth grade.
This means parents are providing the primary instruction at home for their children with the supervision and monitoring of a certified teacher. Every family that is enrolled at MP3 is paired up with a certificated teacher known as a Student Learning Plan Consultant (SLPC).
The SLPCs work with parents in a support role and help to develop a student learning plan. The student learning plan consists of five core academic classes, math, reading/writing, social studies, science and physical education. Parents can choose to include other courses into the learning plan such as art or music.
In addition to being paired with a certificated teacher for support, MP3 also provides a variety of district-approved curriculum to families. All curriculum has gone through an approval process and parents can choose which one they feel best supports their child’s learning style.
Another unique aspect to MP3 is the on-campus course offerings which include a blend of enrichment and core academic classes. Students come to the MP3 campus to take classes such as writers workshop, literacy, math club, mock trial, social studies, science, art, technology, robotics engineering and design. The on-campus program takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays with students from first through eighth grade attending a rotation of classes. Kindergarten students attend a half-day with a cohort of peers.
The on-campus classes are supplemental to enhance learning that is happening at home. Classes focus on workshop or collaborative experiences that are more difficult to replicate at home. All of the classes are taught by certificated teachers.
On non-campus days, staff switches roles from traditional classroom teachers to alternative learning teachers to connect with extension students. MP3 staff serves local families as well as students all over the state of Washington as far as Spokane and Vancouver.
Alternative learning is highly accounted for by the state and has specific requirements for weekly check-ins and monthly reporting based on the student learning plan. During this check in either by phone, email or Zoom, students and parents can ask questions and seek support. Students can also use it as an opportunity to share about their learning activities and progress.
In addition to the required weekly check-in, MP3 families report monthly to their SLPC on the state standards, learning activities, and assessments for student learning.
At the beginning of the school year, SLPCs conduct a family conference to create a student-centered learning plan with a viable curriculum for each course which will guide the learning throughout the school year.
“A lot of those conversations happen at the beginning of the year when we set up the learning plan but we are pretty much walking through the year in step with families and support them as often as it is needed,” MP3 teacher Jeff Caraco said.
For on-campus classes, families can choose to have their children attend a full or partial day depending on their preference.
“I think the majority of families, especially this year, are sending their kids here for all five classes,” said MP3 secretary Lori Moore. “I think that really reflects on the amazing teachers we have. Families want their kids to be here.”
Families who are interested in the MP3 program can learn more by visiting the school website at www.meridian.wednet.edu/mp3 or by contacting the school.